OZARK — Youth and children from First United Methodist Church of Ozark recently made a meaningful contribution to the community by organizing a food drive benefiting the Mary Hill Family Service Center.
The month-long drive, held in February, collected approximately 200 canned food items to support the center’s food pantry, helping local families in need.
According to Les Perault of FUMC, the effort was led by Holly Newman, the church’s UM Kids Director, with assistance from the Top Floor Youth Student Ministries group. The church hosts similar drives several times each year as part of its ongoing outreach efforts to support the community.
Representatives from Mary Hill Family Service Center expressed appreciation for the donation, noting the immediate impact the items will have on their food pantry. In a statement, the organization thanked the students and children for their generosity and community spirit, adding that they were grateful for the group’s “kind hearts and willingness to support our community.”
The Mary Hill Family Service Center plays a vital role in supporting families throughout the Ozark area, offering programs designed to promote stability, self-sufficiency, and overall well-being. Its services range from new parent training, youth and family counseling, and life skills education to workforce readiness programs and case management. In addition to these developmental resources, the center helps meet basic needs through its food and hygiene pantry, clothing assistance, and seasonal initiatives such as the Summer Feeding Program, making it a cornerstone resource for individuals and families facing hardship.
The donation highlights the continued role of local churches and other groups in supporting vital public service organizations and addressing food insecurity across Ozark and surrounding communities.
